Woman Charged With Punching Delaware State Trooper

WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) -- A Delaware woman has been arrested after police say she punched a trooper who was trying to arrest her for shoplifting.

The incident happened Saturday afternoon inside the Concord Mall in Wilmington, Delaware.

According to police, a Delaware State Trooper attempted to stop Ciara T. Benson after she was observed stealing clothes from the Children's Place store.

As the trooper attempted to stop Benson inside the mall, she began yelling and resisting the trooper. Investigators say Benson then pushed the trooper and punched him in the chest in an effort to get away.

After a brief struggle, the trooper was able to place Benson in hand cuffs. A search of Benson was conducted at which time the stolen merchandise was recovered.

Troopers also found heroin and marijuana in the pocket of the coat she was wearing.

Benson is facing charges of Possession of Narcotic Schedule I Controlled Substance (Heroin), Possession of Marijuana, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest with Violence and Shoplifting.

The trooper was not injured.

Benson is being held at the Delores Baylor Women's Correctional Institute in lieu of $3,000 bail.